Just before Christmas, Vhi Healthcare kicked off a price war by announcing reductions in premium rates on health insurance, prompting competitors Laya and Irish Life to respond similarly.

There's a reduction also due in the prohibitively high government levy on some plans, so perhaps for the first time in a long time we'll see more customers able to afford private health insurance cover.

This week, however, I'm looking at the free or discounted add-ons that many policies already have.

Lots of people only dig out their policy when something goes wrong, but preventative procedures are far more valuable.

Here's a round-up of what you might already be benefiting from, so take a look at your plan to see.

The panel shows what each of the three providers has in terms of doctor-led online or phone services, which can give parents in particular peace of mind when their child is ill.

These phone lines were roundly denounced by departing HSE head Tony O'Brien, but if it saves adding further to A&E trolley lists, why not use them as a first port of call?

It's worth in all cases taking a look at your existing policy to see what you can avail of, or give the insurer's call centre a buzz to ask them. You might be surprised.

Irish Life Health

* Money back (up to €250) on some sports club/gym membership/children's fitness classes, dietician or nutritionist consultations, sports massage, fitness wearables and even life coaching sessions on BeneFit plans.

* Health in the Home offers clinical care from specialised nurses, backed up by a 24-hour helpline.

* Back-Up offers assessments for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation for neck and back pain.

* HeartBeat cardiac screening - screens for underlying cardiac abnormalities that may be lead to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (one every two years).

* Cancer screening offers a contribution towards screening for cervical and breast cancer and blood tests for prostate and colon cancer with GPs.

* Half of the cost of an executive health check every two years, which includes a full physical examination and consultation with a physician, chest X-ray, stress tests, a dietician consultation if appropriate and more. The tests all depend on an individual's age, lifestyle and plan.

This free programme is designed by teachers in collaboration with a team of experts in the areas of psychology, nutrition, well-being and physical activity to instil healthier habits at a younger age and embed healthy attitudes towards nutrition and fitness among families.